Spare Link Railtour (2012)

A weekend trip to mark the imminent retirement of steam driver, Dan Renehan. Saturday 24th March: Dublin Connolly - M3 Parkway - Rosslare - Wexford. Sunday 25th March: Wexford - Howth - Dublin Connolly.

The crowds gather at Dublin Connolly in unseasonably mild sunny weather, Saturday 24th March 2012.

No.461 had recently been turned out for the first time in CIÉ green, complete with the 'flying snail' emblem applied to its tender.

No.461 running round at M3 Parkway. (R. Joanes)

No.461 worked the train tender-first to M3 Parkway. It is seen here at Dunboyne on the return leg. (R. Joanes)

Dunboyne's original station building can be seen behind the fence.

No.461 in the Up road in Gorey, being overtaken by a railcar to Rosslare. (R. Joanes)

The majority of participants left the train at Wexford to go to their overnight hotels. A few hardy souls stayed on to Rosslare Strand.

The Up service from Rosslare Europort to Dublin is at Rosslare Strand and No.461, which has uncoupled, is ready to depart for turning at the Harbour. (B. Gibbs)

The engine went light engine from there to Rosslare Harbour to turn. Here it is just leaving.

Phillip, Mervyn, James, Mark, Ben, Edward, Debra and Mark seem happy to wait in the empty station for the locomotive's return.

At the reception in Wexford, there were a few photographs guaranteed to embarrass Dan. Here he is (centre), sporting a fine head of hair.

25/3/2012: Early on Sunday morning and the sun is out again, lighting a railcar as it heads north along Wexford Quays.

Ken Fox, showing he's not averse to a bit of shovelling, in preparation for leaving Wexford. Lar seems content to let him get on with it!

Fine sunshine as No.461 builds steam at Wexford.

A photo stop and check of the engine at Enniscorthy - No.461 was playing up a bit!

No.461 at Enniscorthy. (R. Joanes)

The bar seems surprisingly empty.

In the kitchen, though, it's all hands to action.

No.461 at Wicklow, heading for Howth. (R. Joanes)

A contrast in motive power at Howth.